In 2008, Obama ran on a platform of change, and he sure came through on his promise. America does not seem to look the same as it did eight years ago when Obama came into office (whether for the better or for the worse is for you to decide). Now, our new president-elect Donald Trump is promising change in a different way. Some accuse him and those who voted for him of being racist, sexist, elitist and whatever other "ist" they like. Change happened eight years ago, and change has already happened within a week of trump being elected.
Or has it? Yes, of course we've seen social change and political change within our own country and abroad. Yes, many fear the future of this nation after the change in power from the Democrats to the Republicans. And yes, many would say the only thing truly constant is change.
One thing that has not changed nor will ever change is Jesus Christ and His gospel. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ: the same yesterday, today and forever." Acts 4:12 "There is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved." He is still the ONLY way to everlasting life. He is still the Victor, the Alpha and the Omega, and the Savior. He is still the way, the truth and the life. He is the only truth worth fighting, worth dying for. He is the creator and the lover of our souls. Romans 5:8 says "but God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made Him to become sin for us, who knew no sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." No greater expression of love has ever been given in the history of mankind.
This love the brings death to life, makes the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the lame to walk; this love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things, this love that NEVER FAILS. This love is the kind of love that is bigger than any one election. This love is the kind of love that trumps anything and everything else. This is a sacrificial love.
This love never changes. Churches, tap into this fountain of love that is bursting forth. Christians, stop accusing each other of hate, of heresy, of betrayal based on who each other voted for. We believe in the same Creator, the same Redeemer. Let us cast aside our difference in favor of unity. We are ONE in Christ. There is nothing that can change that. Love each other.
Love also those who have rejected Love, who also goes by the name is Christ. My friends, if you don't know Jesus, you do not know true love. The call of Christ is an irresistible call to come and die -- die to ourselves and the lusts of our flesh (in whatever form they take). The best way Christians can love others is by sharing with them the love that is the man who died on the cross to pay for our sins and transgressions. Do not confuse love with tolerance -- God does not tolerate sin, so He made a way to wash away the guilt of our sin by punishing it on Christ. In this, He showed His love and justice in one glorious stroke. Put your trust in Him alone, not in your own "good works." My fellow believers, let us stand in the gap of this vast chasm that divides our culture. Let us return to love.
